There you have it. The cat has jumped out of the bag, but not as conspicuously as one might have guessed. Without adding that hardliner tone, US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton has conveyed to the Pakistani authorities their concerns over the safe havens for terrorists, security situation inside the country, in Afghanistan, and has pushed hard for the needful military action in North Waziristan. Whatever we make of her visit, it sure was an ultimatum. At least, it sounded like one.
It is better to have a wise enemy than to have a foolish friend, or so goes the adage. Though she did not sound condescending this time, this was exactly what she told us. That getting cosy with the militants is not a good idea as they won’t follow your lead is a point one must understand without being so obtuse. In her talk with some journalists and anchorpersons, she constantly insisted for an action against the Haqqani network and others, though she admitted having links with these militants. The only solution out of this pickle is, of course, a joint strategy, shreds of which appeared in discussions when she claimed to have reached a 90-95 percent agreement on such an action. What they should focus on is that the remaining percentage must not be allowed to highjack this positive development.
The post-drawdown scenario of Afghanistan needs impetus from all the stakeholders. Final push by the US-Nato forces against the militants, currently underway along the Pakistani border, could draw us into a conflict with these militants in the end, but why not take an initiative by ironing out our differences, and taking the fight to their doorstep.
After the recent outbursts of Adm Mullen, it was only diplomatic to tone down but in no way has the US stopped asking us to do more. In fact, they have stood by what Adm Mullen has said, by and large. But rather than breathing down our necks militarily, they have changed their tactics to political and diplomatic efforts. This opens up a plethora of opportunities for both sides as they will now be mindful of their demands and stumbling blocks.